Gemotions

The seaside air, usually bracing, felt heavy and thick as it settled around Ethan. He sat on the pier, the rhythmic crashing of the waves offering little comfort. He had waited so long to reunite with Sophie, the girl he had loved with the boundless enthusiasm of youth. He had found her, and they agreed to meet where they had built sandcastles, but when she arrived, she looked puzzled. "I'm so sorry," she stated after a moment, and tilted her head. "I don’t recall you."

He just stared at her, the waves now feeling loud, unwelcome. He looked out at the ocean, his face devoid of expression. His shoulders began to slump. He wanted to cease existing. He felt the weight of the water, the sand, the world.

He stood and walked away.